Dr Andrew Griffiths
Senior Lecturer in Biological Science and JICAS (Jersey International Centre for Advanced Studies) Lead
A.M.Griffiths2@exeter.ac.uk
5849
Hatherly C7
Hatherly Building, University of Exeter, Prince of Wales Road, Exeter, EX4 4PS, UK
Overview
My research addresses broad questions in ecology and evolution, with a particular focus on utilising molecular approaches to solving problems that are intractable with traditional ecological methods. Fish (both marine & freshwater) have been my biological system of choice, due to the variety of habitats they occupy and the commercial & conservation significance of many species. My research has served as the foundation for all my teaching and I have always taken every opportunity to communicate my interest and enthusiasm for biology to students, colleagues and more widely in the community. I predominantly teach on the; Animals, Genetics, Modern Theories of Evolution, Ecotoxicology and Fundamental Skills modules.
Broad research specialisms:
- Ecology & Evolution
Qualifications
2023 - Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy
2017 - Fellow of the Higher Education Academy
2016 - Postgraduate Certificate in Academic practice
2007 - Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy
2006 - Learning and Teaching in Higher Education - University of Exeter
2006 - PhD - Molecular Ecology - University of Exeter
2000 - BSc(Hons) - Biology - University of Bristol
Publications
Journal articles
Garbett A, Loca SL, Barreau T, Biscoito M, Bradley C, Breen J, Clarke M, Ellis JR, Griffiths AM, Hannon G, et al (2023). A holistic and comprehensive data approach validates the distribution of the critically endangered flapper skate (Dipturus intermedius). J Fish Biol, 103(3), 516-528. Abstract. Author URL.
Zuccolo V, Rego FM, Hughes E, Griffiths AM (2023). Endangered shark species traded as “cação” in São Paulo during the COVID-19 lockdown: DNA-barcoding a snapshot of products. Molecular Biology Reports, 50(12), 9985-9992. Abstract.
Goymer A, Steele K, Jenkins F, Burgess G, Andrews L, Baumgartner N, Gubili C, Griffiths AM (2023). For R-eel?! Investigating international sales of critically endangered species in freshwater eel products with DNA barcoding. Food Control, 150
Liu Z, Collins RA, Baillie C, Rainbird S, Brittain R, Griffiths AM, Sims DW, Mariani S, Genner MJ (2022). Environmental DNA captures elasmobranch diversity in a temperate marine ecosystem. Environmental DNA, 4(5), 1024-1038.
Giagkazoglou Z, Griffiths AM, Imsiridou A, Chatzispyrou A, Touloumis K, Hebb JL, Mylona D, Malamidou AK, Apostolidi ED, Batjakas I, et al (2022). Flying under the radar: DNA barcoding ray wings in Greece detects protected species and umbrella labelling terms. Food Control, 132 Abstract.
Bache-Jeffreys M, de Moraes BLC, Ball RE, Menezes G, Pálsson J, Pampoulie C, Stevens JR, Griffiths AM (2021). Resolving the spatial distributions of Dipturus intermedius and Dipturus batis—the two taxa formerly known as the ‘common skate’. Environmental Biology of Fishes, 104(8), 923-936. Abstract.
Hooper L, Jenkins TL, Griffiths AM, Moore KA, Stevens JR (2021). The complete mitochondrial genome of the pink sea fan, <i>Eunicella verrucosa</i> (Pallas, 1766). Mitochondrial DNA Part B, 6(11), 3309-3311.
Wannell GJ, Griffiths AM, Spinou A, Batista R, Mendonca MB, Wosiacki WB, Fraser B, Wintner S, Papadopoulos AI, Krey G, et al (2020). A new minibarcode assay to gacilitate species identification from processed, degraded or historic ray (batoidea) samples. CONSERVATION GENETICS RESOURCES, 12(4), 659-668. Author URL.
Ball RE, Serra-Pereira B, Ellis J, Genner MJ, Iglésias S, Johnson AF, Jones CS, Leslie R, Lewis J, Mariani S, et al (2019). Correction to: Resolving taxonomic uncertainty in vulnerable elasmobranchs: are the Madeira skate (Raja maderensis) and the thornback ray (Raja clavata) distinct species? (Conservation Genetics, (2016), 17, 3, (565-576), 10.1007/s10592-015-0806-1). Conservation Genetics, 20(2). Abstract.
Pazartzi T, Siaperopoulou S, Gubili C, Maradidou S, Loukovitis D, Chatzispyrou A, Griffiths AM, Minos G, Imsiridou A (2019). High levels of mislabeling in shark meat – Investigating patterns of species utilization with DNA barcoding in Greek retailers. Food Control, 98, 179-186. Abstract.
Horreo JL, Griffiths AM, Machado-Schiaffino G, Stevens JR, Garcia-Vazquez E (2019). Northern areas as refugia for temperate species under current climate warming: Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) as a model in northern Europe. J Fish Biol, 95(1), 304-310. Abstract. Author URL.
Manuzzi A, Zane L, Muñoz-Merida A, Griffiths AM, Veríssimo A (2019). Population genomics and phylogeography of a benthic coastal shark (Scyliorhinus canicula) using 2b-RAD single nucleotide polymorphisms. Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 126(2), 289-303. Abstract.
Hobbs CAD, Potts RWA, Bjerregaard Walsh M, Usher J, Griffiths AM (2019). Using DNA Barcoding to Investigate Patterns of Species Utilisation in UK Shark Products Reveals Threatened Species on Sale. Sci Rep, 9(1). Abstract. Author URL.
Sotelo CG, Velasco A, Perez-Martin RI, Kappel K, Schröder U, Verrez-Bagnis V, Jérôme M, Mendes R, Silva H, Mariani S, et al (2018). Tuna labels matter in Europe: Mislabelling rates in different tuna products. PLoS One, 13(5). Abstract. Author URL.
Paris JR, Sherman KD, Bell E, Boulenger C, Delord C, El-Mahdi MBM, Fairfield EA, Griffiths AM, Gutmann Roberts C, Hedger RD, et al (2018). Understanding and managing fish populations: keeping the toolbox fit for purpose. J Fish Biol, 92(3), 727-751. Abstract. Author URL.
Gilbey J, Coughlan J, Wennevik V, Prodöhl P, Stevens JR, Garcia de Leaniz C, Ensing D, Cauwelier E, Cherbonnel C, Consuegra S, et al (2017). A microsatellite baseline for genetic stock identification of European Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.). ICES Journal of Marine Science, 75(2), 662-674. Abstract.
Gubili C, Macleod K, Perry W, Hanel P, Batzakas I, Farrell ED, Lynghammar A, Mancusi C, Mariani S, Menezes GM, et al (2016). Connectivity in the deep: Phylogeography of the velvet belly lanternshark. Deep Sea Research Part I: Oceanographic Research Papers, 115, 233-239.
Veríssimo A, Zaera‐Perez D, Leslie R, Iglésias SP, Séret B, Grigoriou P, Sterioti A, Gubili C, Barría C, Duffy C, et al (2016). Molecular diversity and distribution of eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean dogfishes <i>Squalus</i> highlight taxonomic issues in the genus. Zoologica Scripta, 46(4), 414-428. Abstract.
Hamilton PB, Cowx IG, Oleksiak MF, Griffiths AM, Grahn M, Stevens JR, Carvalho GR, Nicol E, Tyler CR (2016). Population-level consequences for wild fish exposed to sublethal concentrations of chemicals – a critical review. Fish and Fisheries, 17(3), 545-566. Abstract.
Ball RE, Serra-Pereira B, Ellis J, Genner MJ, Iglésias S, Johnson AF, Jones CS, Leslie R, Lewis J, Mariani S, et al (2016). Resolving taxonomic uncertainty in vulnerable elasmobranchs: are the Madeira skate (Raja maderensis) and the thornback ray (Raja clavata) distinct species?. Conservation Genetics, 17(3), 565-576. Abstract.
Vandamme SG, Griffiths AM, Taylor S-A, Di Muri C, Hankard EA, Towne JA, Watson M, Mariani S (2016). Sushi barcoding in the UK: another kettle of fish. PeerJ, 4, e1891-e1891. Abstract.
Boufana B, Lett W, Lahmar S, Griffiths A, Jenkins DJ, Buishi I, Engliez SA, Alrefadi MA, Eljaki AA, Elmestiri FM, et al (2015). Canine echinococcosis: genetic diversity of<i>Echinococcus granulosus</i>sensu stricto (s.s.) from definitive hosts. Journal of Helminthology, 89(6), 689-698. Abstract.
Mariani S, Griffiths AM, Velasco A, Kappel K, Jérôme M, Perez-Martin RI, Schröder U, Verrez-Bagnis V, Silva H, Vandamme SG, et al (2015). Low mislabeling rates indicate marked improvements in European seafood market operations. Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment, 13(10), 536-540. Abstract.
Lynghammar A, Christiansen JS, Griffiths AM, Fevolden S, Hop H, Bakken T (2014). <scp>DNA</scp> barcoding of the northern <scp>N</scp>ortheast <scp>A</scp>tlantic skates (<scp>C</scp>hondrichthyes, <scp>R</scp>ajiformes), with remarks on the widely distributed starry ray. Zoologica Scripta, 43(5), 485-495. Abstract.
Gubili C, Sims DW, Veríssimo A, Domenici P, Ellis J, Grigoriou P, Johnson AF, McHugh M, Neat F, Satta A, et al (2014). A tale of two seas: contrasting patterns of population structure in the small-spotted catshark across Europe. Royal Society Open Science, 1(3), 140175-140175. Abstract.
Griffiths AM, Sotelo CG, Mendes R, Pérez-Martín RI, Schröder U, Shorten M, Silva HA, Verrez-Bagnis V, Mariani S (2014). Current methods for seafood authenticity testing in Europe: is there a need for harmonisation?. Food Control, 45, 95-100.
Horreo JL, Machado-Schiaffino G, Griffiths AM, Bright D, Stevens JR, Garcia-Vazquez E (2014). Long-term effects of stock transfers: Synergistic introgression of allochthonous genomes in salmonids. Journal of Fish Biology, 85(2), 292-306. Abstract.
Horreo JL, Machado-Schiaffino G, Griffiths AM, Bright D, Stevens JR, Garcia-Vazquez E (2014). Long-term effects of stock transfers: Synergistic introgression of allochthonous genomes in salmonids. Journal of Fish Biology
Griffiths AM, Miller DD, Egan A, Fox J, Greenfield A, Mariani S (2013). DNA barcoding unveils skate (Chondrichthyes: Rajidae) species diversity in ‘ray’ products sold across Ireland and the UK. PeerJ, 1, e129-e129.
Ball RE, Jones CS, Lynghammar A, Noble LR, Griffiths AM (2013). The first confirmed cases of full albinism in rajid species. JOURNAL OF FISH BIOLOGY, 82(4), 1433-1440. Author URL.
Finnegan AK, Griffiths AM, King RA, Machado-Schiaffino G, Porcher JP, Garcia-Vazquez E, Bright D, Stevens JR (2013). Use of multiple markers demonstrates a cryptic western refugium and postglacial colonisation routes of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) in northwest Europe. Heredity, 111(1), 34-43. Abstract.
Finnegan AK, Griffiths AM, King RA, Machado-Schiaffino G, Porcher J-P, Garcia-Vazquez E, Bright D, Stevens JR (2013). Use of multiple markers demonstrates a cryptic western refugium and postglacial colonisation routes of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) in northwest Europe. Heredity
Bréchon AL, Coombs SH, Sims DW, Griffiths AM (2012). Development of a rapid genetic technique for the identification of clupeid larvae in the Western English Channel and investigation of mislabelling in processed fish products. ICES Journal of Marine Science, 70(2), 399-407. Abstract.
Griffiths AM, Jacoby DMP, Casane D, McHugh M, Croft DP, Genner MJ, Sims DW (2012). The first analysis of multiple paternity in an oviparous shark species, the small-spotted catshark (Scyliorhinus canicula L.). Journal of Heredity, 2(103), 166-73.
Horreo JL, Machado-Schiaffino G, Griffiths AM, Bright D, Stevens JR, Garcia-Vazquez E (2011). Atlantic Salmon at Risk: Apparent Rapid Declines in Effective Population Size in Southern European Populations. TRANSACTIONS OF THE AMERICAN FISHERIES SOCIETY, 140(3), 605-610. Author URL.
Griffiths AM, Casane D, McHugh M, Wearmouth VJ, Sims DW, Genner MJ (2011). Characterisation of polymorphic microsatellite loci in the small-spotted catshark (Scyliorhinus canicula L.). Conservation Genetics Resources, 3(4), 705-709.
Horreo JL, Machado-Schiaffino G, Ayllon F, Griffiths AM, Bright D, Stevens JR, Garcia-Vasquez E (2011). Impact of climate change and human-mediated
introgression on southern European Atlantic
salmon populations. Global Change Biology, 17(5), 1778-1787. Abstract.
Ellis JS, Gilbey J, Armstrong A, Balstad T, Cauwelier E, Cherbonnel C, Consuegra S, Coughlan J, Cross TF, Crozier W, et al (2011). Microsatellite standardization and evaluation of genotyping error in a large multi-partner research programme for conservation of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.). Genetica, 139(3), 353-367. Abstract. Author URL.
Ellis JS, Sumner KJ, Griffiths AM, Bright DI, Stevens JR (2011). Population genetic structure of Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L. in the River Tamar, southwest England. Fisheries Management and Ecology, 18(3), 233-245. Abstract.
Griffiths AM, Ellis JS, Clifton-Dey D, Machado-Schiaffino G, Bright D, Garcia-Vazquez E, Stevens JR (2011). Restoration versus recolonisation: the origin of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) currently in the River Thames. Biological Conservation, 144(11), 2733-2738.
Griffiths AM, Ellis JS, Clifton-Dey D, Machado-Schiaffino G, Bright D, Garcia-Vazquez E, Stevens JR (2011). Restoration versus recolonisation: the origin of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) currently in the River Thames. Biological Conservation, 144(11), 2733-2738. Abstract.
Griffiths AM, Machado-Schiaffino G, Dillane E, Coughlan J, Horreo JL, Bowkett AE, Minting P, Toms S, Roche W, Gargan P, et al (2010). Genetic stock identification of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) populations in the southern part of the European range. BMC Genet, 11 Abstract. Author URL.
Griffiths AM, Sims DW, Johnson A, Lynghammar A, McHugh M, Bakken T, Genner MJ (2010). Levels of connectivity between longnose skate (Dipturus oxyrinchus) in the Mediterranean Sea and the north-eastern Atlantic Ocean. Conservation Genetics, 12(2), 577-582.
Serra‐Pereira B, Moura T, Griffiths AM, Serrano Gordo L, Figueiredo I (2010). Molecular barcoding of skates (Chondrichthyes: Rajidae) from the southern Northeast Atlantic. Zoologica Scripta, 40(1), 76-84. Abstract.
Griffiths AM, Sims DW, Cotterell SP, El Nagar A, Ellis JR, Lynghammar A, McHugh M, Neat FC, Pade NG, Queiroz N, et al (2010). Molecular markers reveal spatially segregated cryptic species in a critically endangered fish, the common skate (<i>Dipturus batis</i>). Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences, 277(1687), 1497-1503. Abstract.
Griffiths AM, Koizumi I, Bright D, Stevens JR (2009). A case of isolation by distance and short-term temporal stability of population structure in brown trout (Salmo trutta) within the River Dart, southwest England. Evolutionary Applications, 2(4), 537-554. Abstract.
Griffiths AM, Evans LM, Stevens JR (2009). Characterization and utilization of microsatellite loci in the New World screwworm fly, Cochliomyia hominivorax. Med Vet Entomol, 23 Suppl 1, 8-13. Abstract. Author URL.
Griffiths AM, Bright D, Stevens JR (2009). Comparison of patterns of genetic variability in wild and supportively bred stocks of brown trout, Salmo trutta. Fisheries Management and Ecology, 16(6), 514-519.
Griffiths AM, Bright D, Stevens JR (2009). Complete mitochondrial control region sequences indicate a distinct variety of brown trout Salmo trutta in the Aral Sea. J Fish Biol, 74(5), 1136-1142. Abstract. Author URL.
Coe TS, Hamilton PB, Griffiths AM, Hodgson DJ, Wahab MA, Tyler CR (2009). Genetic variation in strains of zebrafish (Danio rerio) and the implications for ecotoxicology studies. Ecotoxicology, 18(1), 144-150. Abstract. Author URL.
Horreo JL, Machado-Schiaffino G, Griffiths A, Bright D, Stevens J, Garcia-Vazquez E (2008). Identification of differential broodstock contribution affecting genetic variability in hatchery stocks of Atlantic salmon (<i>Salmo salar</i>). AQUACULTURE, 280(1-4), 89-93. Author URL.
Griffiths AM, Stevens JRF (2002). Internet sites relevant to the common methodologies and themes of data exploration used in the study of infection genetics and evolution. Infection, Genetics and Evolution, 1(4), 321-325.
GIBSON W, BACKHOUSE T, GRIFFITHS A (2002). The human serum resistance associated gene is ubiquitous and conserved in Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense throughout East Africa1. Infection, Genetics and Evolution, 1(3), 207-214.
Conferences
Stevens JR, Griffiths AM, Garcia-Vasquez E, Machado G, Bright D (2006). The Atlantic Salmon Arc Project (ASAP):: construction of a spatial database of genetic population profiles for Atlantic salmon (<i>Salmo salar</i>) to facilitate the sustainable management and conservation of this trans-national migratory species. Author URL.
Teaching
Teaching Awards;2024 - Learning Science Teaching Innovation Award Winner – Unique datasets implemented into smart worksheets improves performance and improves statistical skills
2023 - Exeter Teaching Commendation - Tutor support in Biosciences
2020 - Exeter Teaching Awards - Shortlisted
2019 - Exeter Above & Beyond Award Gold - Contributions to teaching and student supervision
2019 - Exeter Teaching Awards - Shortlisted
2015 - Bristol Teaching Awards - Students' Award for Oustanding Teaching/top teaching award across the institution
I am currently involved in undergraduate teaching of the following modules:
- BIO1331 Animals - Module Leader
- BIO1334 Genetics
- BIO1333 Fundamental Principles For Bioscientists
- BIO2093 Modern Theories of Evolution - Module Leader
- BIO2074 Marine Biology
- BIO3067 Ecotoxicology
I currently hold teaching-related positions as Senior Tutor, Director of the Biological Science Programme and JICAS Lead. I co-chair the Department New Ways of Learning Committee and sit on the Diversity, Inclusion, Culture and Equality Committee.
